Cooking a perfectly seared ribeye steak at home is easier than you think. With the right cut of beef, a good pan, and proper heat control, you can achieve a steak that’s beautifully crusted on the outside and juicy on the inside—just like a steakhouse.
This method works well with stainless steel, hybrid, or flat-bottom frying pans, making it ideal for everyday home kitchens.
🥩 Why Ribeye Steak?
Ribeye is known for its rich marbling, which melts during cooking and naturally bastes the meat, delivering outstanding flavor and tenderness. Because of its fat content, ribeye is also one of the most forgiving cuts—perfect for home cooks.
Recommended steak:
- Thickness: 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm)
- Bone-in or boneless
- Bring to room temperature before cooking
🧂 Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 1 ribeye steak (600–700 g / 20–24 oz)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- High-smoke-point oil (canola or avocado oil)
- 2–3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2–3 garlic cloves, smashed
- Fresh rosemary or thyme
🔥 Step-by-Step: Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak
Step 1: Dry & Season
Pat the steak completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
👉 A dry surface is key to achieving a good crust.
Step 2: Preheat the Pan
Heat the pan over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes. Add a small amount of oil once the pan is hot.
👉 The oil should shimmer but not smoke heavily.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Place the steak in the pan and sear, flipping every 2–3 minutes to develop an even crust on both sides.
- Do not move the steak unnecessarily
- Do not press it down
- Maintain medium-high heat
📸 Image Placement ③: Steak searing with a golden-brown crust
Step 4: Butter Baste
Once the steak is well-seared, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, garlic, and herbs.
Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the steak continuously to infuse flavor.
📸 Image Placement ④: Butter basting with herbs and garlic
Step 5: Check Doneness & Rest
- Medium-rare target internal temperature: 125–130°F (52–54°C)
- Remove from heat and let the steak rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing
👉 Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steak moist.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad
- Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt
- Serve with red wine for a classic steakhouse experience
✅ Key Tips for Success
✔ Use a thick-cut steak
✔ Heat the pan properly
✔ Flip periodically for even crust
✔ Add butter at the right time
✔ Always rest before slicing
